FINAL VOYAGE To all hands having had the privilege to know Rick Flanagan, RD3 55-58

I am very saddened to report the Final Voyage of our shipmate Rick Flanagan on December 28, 2009. While using his snow blower to clear some paths aroundhis home the Lord called Rick home. As many of you have already learned during our reunion gatherings, Rick was a wonderful man. He was the epitome of a true sailor when ships were made of wood and men were made of iron. At the same time he was a sensitive and caring guy that always placed the needs of others before his own.

While Rick had an outstanding military career as an Air Force Officer, Ret., his first love was the Perry. It was during a Perry cruise to Edinburgh that he met the gorgeous Scottish charmer Joy Arrighi who was to become his wife in 1958. Isn't it just wonderful that Rick & Joy got to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and were again able to visit the city that was the start of their life long romance.

Rick was a very active member of our Perry Association since its inception in 1999. He was the Perry Historian, served on the Membership Council & Advisory Committee, was our Memorabilia Custodian and most recently was unanimously elected Treasurer. Rick and Joy were also Hall of Fame supporters many times over and initiated and chaired the committee of the Commemorative Wall Plaque Campaign for the United States Navy Memorial Foundation in Washington, DC. This project was especially special to the Flanagan's because this is where Joy obtained her US Citizenship. In between all of these chores he also managed to author several Western Books. I guess I can safely say Rick was a Cowboy at heart.

On behalf of all your shipmates, we're gonna miss you mate. Fair winds and smooth sailing on your final voyage. See ya in Pensacola.

Your condolences will be most welcomed by Joy Flanagan and son Shaun.

cougar8023@comcast.net - 978-531-5968  http://www.rickflanagan.com

RICK & JOY FLANAGAN
19 LYNCH STREET
PEABODY, MA 01960

Services will be held on Saturday 1/3/2009

Solimine Landergan & Richardson Funeral Home
426 Broadway (Rt. 129)
Lynn, MA 01904
(781) 595-1492                        

OBITUARY

On January 1, 1935, Richard Edward Flanagan was born in Fairlee, Vermont. Rick was the first born to Henry Flanagan and Ramona (Munn) Flanagan. He began his writing early in life and was fortunate to have Charles Jackson (The Lost Week-end) review some of his early short stories. Encouraged by Mr. Jackson's kind comments, Rick continued his writing until he joined the U. S. Navy at age 19. Upon completion of his enlistment, Rick was discharged from the Navy and returned to college. In 1958 he married Joy Arrighi, a Scottish lass he met while in the Navy.

Upon completion of college, Rick entered the United States Air Force through the Officers Training Program. He served in Viet Nam as an Airborne Weapons Controller and flew over 480 combat missions in the early version of what later became AWACS. As a United States Air Force officer, he was fortunate to be selected for two unit commands and served on a variety of numbered Air Force and Major Command staffs. Rick was educated in the public college system and holds an advanced degree in Psychology from Ball State University and all but the practicum for a second Master's in Counseling. During his military career, Rick put his writing on hold while he became a professional military officer.

Upon his retirement from active duty in 1981, Rick returned to his first love, writing. He had always intended to write, but somehow, there were always life challenges to respond to prior to turning his attention to spinning a yarn. He was drawn to Westerns through his love of the West and the life style of the 1800's. Rick has always been an avid reader and Westerns were always high on his list of preferred reading. Rick has lived in Colorado, California and through out the world. He enjoys living close to the earth and still likes to spend time in the woods and fields of New England.